The Mafdal Party and Its Political Impact in Israel (1956–2008)

Abstract

This study examines the National Religious Party, known as Mafdal, and its political impact in Israel during the period from 1956 to 2008, This period extends from the establishment of the party through the merger of the Mizrachi and Hapoel HaMizrachi movements to the end of its organizational existence and its incorporation into the framework of the Jewish Home party, The study seeks to analyze the intellectual, organizational, and political development of Mafdal and to examine the nature of its impact on parliamentary life and Israeli governments. It also addresses the party’s positions on issues concerning religion and the state, education, settlement, Palestinian territories, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. The study concludes that Mafdal initially emerged as a relatively moderate National Religious party, with a less confrontational orientation than that of other Israeli political parties. It primarily focused on protecting religious and educational interests and strengthening the role of religion within state institutions. The party also utilized its position within governing coalitions to exert influence on the decision-making process. However, the June 1967 War gradually marked a turning point in its political orientation, as issues of land, settlement, and the concept of “Greater Israel” acquired increasing importance in its political program. This shift became more pronounced after 1977, when the party moved from its historical alliance with Mapai, the Alignment, and Labor to participation in governments led by Likud. This development brought Mafdal closer to the national right and the settler movement. The study further demonstrates that the transformations within Mafdal were neither uniform nor homogeneous. Less hard-line currents emerged within the party, particularly regarding the occupied territories, political settlement, the Oslo Accords, and the 2005 disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip. Internal divisions, the rise of competing religious parties such as Shas, and changes in the Israeli political landscape gradually weakened Mafdal, ultimately bringing an end to its independent organizational existence in 2008 with the establishment of the Jewish Home party.